u/OkBaby2073

I’m 21 and graduating this December with a Communication Studies degree. Long-term, I want to build my own media/entertainment company focused on original short films, web series, podcasts, and digital content, primarily aimed at Black and faith-based audiences.

I’m considering getting an MBA while I work and build the company on the side.

For entrepreneurs or creatives who’ve gotten an MBA: was it actually worth the time and money? Did it genuinely help you build and scale a company, or would you recommend learning through experience instead?

I’ve been refining what I actually want to build, and I’d love some honest feedback.

Instead of trying to become a traditional filmmaker or production company, I want to build a social-first media company that creates original short-form content, web series, documentaries, podcasts, and eventually a platform where independent creators can distribute and monetize their work.

The idea is to build a recognizable media brand first, not just sell video services forever.

To fund it in the early years, I’d likely do photography on the side and possibly teach marketing at the high school level for stable income while the business grows. Those wouldn’t be the end goal—they’d simply provide cash flow while I invest back into the company.

Does this overall idea make business sense, or am I overlooking something major?

If you saw a 20-year-old pitching this, what would be your biggest concern? What would you change before trying to build it?

I’m looking for honest feedback, not encouragement.

I’ve been refining what I actually want to build, and I’d love some honest feedback.

Instead of trying to become a traditional filmmaker or production company, I want to build a social-first media company that creates original short-form content, web series, documentaries, podcasts, and eventually a platform where independent creators can distribute and monetize their work.

The idea is to build a recognizable media brand first, not just sell video services forever.

To fund it in the early years, I’d likely do photography on the side and possibly teach marketing at the high school level for stable income while the business grows. Those wouldn’t be the end goal—they’d simply provide cash flow while I invest back into the company.

Does this overall idea make business sense, or am I overlooking something major?

If you saw a 20-year-old pitching this, what would be your biggest concern? What would you change before trying to build it?

I’m looking for honest feedback, not encouragement.

I’m 20 and at a crossroads in my creative career.
For years I’ve wanted to be a filmmaker, specifically creating meaningful, story-driven films. The type of content I naturally imagine making is life-lesson dramas, emotionally grounded short films, and cinematic stories that leave people thinking long after they end.

Recently, though, I’ve been seriously considering building a content marketing agency and focusing on photography and short-form content because it seems like a more practical way to build a business.
The problem is that I recently realized something that bothered me: I may have been walking away from filmmaking because I’m afraid of how difficult the path is, not because I actually stopped wanting to do it.

Filmmaking is expensive, competitive, takes years to master, and success isn’t guaranteed. Building an agency feels like a more predictable business, and I could see myself enjoying that too.

For those of you who have worked in film, creative entrepreneurship, or both:

How did you know whether you were genuinely outgrowing filmmaking versus just being intimidated by it?

Have any of you built a business that funded your films rather than trying to make films your primary source of income?

If you could go back to age 20, would you focus on becoming a filmmaker first, building a business first, or intentionally do both together?

I’m not looking for motivation or reassurance. I’d appreciate honest advice, especially from people who have actually faced this decision.

I’m currently trying to decide if film school is worth it for me, and I’d really appreciate honest advice from people who have gone, skipped it, or currently work in film/content.

My background is in Communication Studies, and I already have experience in media/content. I’ve done sports media, hosted/created content before, worked around campus media, and I’m comfortable with storytelling, interviewing, communication, leadership, and building ideas from scratch. I also own a Canon R6 II, so I have some gear and I’m not starting completely from zero.

That said, I’m still early when it comes to actual filmmaking. I haven’t built a serious narrative/directing portfolio yet, but I know the type of work I want to make: cinematic short films, life-lesson dramas, and eventually longer-form narrative projects. I’m especially interested in stories with emotional impact, real-life themes, and strong messages.

The reason I’m considering film school is because I want structure, discipline, networking, collaboration, access to equipment, creative community, and time away from home to fully focus. I know people say “just make films,” and I agree that experience matters most — but I’m wondering if school could accelerate my growth and put me in the right environment.

For people who went to film school: was it actually worth the money and time? Did the connections, training, and experience help you build a real career?

For people who didn’t go: do you feel like you missed out on anything, or was learning by doing the better route?

Based on where I am — some media/storytelling experience, some gear, a clear creative direction, but not a deep film portfolio yet — would you recommend film school, or would you tell me to just start making films consistently and build from there?

I’m not looking for a generic “it depends.” I want the honest answer you’d give someone who is serious but still early.

I’m considering applying to VCU’s Evening MBA program. My long-term goal is to build and lead my own media company focused on original documentary and narrative content.

I’d love honest feedback from current students or alumni. How is the workload, networking, career support, and overall value of the program? Is it manageable while working and pursuing filmmaking projects on the side?

Thinking about applying to VCU’s Evening MBA program and wanted some honest opinions from people who’ve been in it/currently are.
My background is more creative/media-oriented than corporate. I’m building a content + branding ecosystem/production company and realized I’m more interested in entrepreneurship, branding, audience-building, and business strategy than the traditional film route. I graduate from Undergrad in December 2026

A few questions:

How flexible is the program for creatives/entrepreneurs?

Did the MBA actually help you strategically, or was it mostly theory?

How strong are the networking opportunities?

Would you recommend doing the Brand Leadership electives?

Also, how strict are they about the work experience requirement for nontraditional applicants?

Just trying to figure out if this is the right next move for me.

I’m currently finishing a Communication Studies degree at ODU, but over time I’ve realized filmmaking/directing is what I genuinely want to pursue long-term.

Lately I’ve been seriously considering pursuing a second bachelor’s at VCU in Cinema/Filmmaking because I feel like my foundation in film still needs development — especially technically and production-wise.

My long-term goals are directing, cinematography, storytelling, and building my production company, JuTe Studios. I’m not really interested in going into an MFA immediately because I honestly don’t think my current skill foundation is there yet.

For anyone who’s pursued a second bachelor’s (especially in film/media):

Was it worth it?

Did it actually help your growth?

Did it feel like “starting over” or more like specialization?

Would you recommend BA Cinema or BFA Filmmaking at VCU?

Just trying to make the smartest long-term decision and would appreciate honest advice.

I’m seriously considering Georgia State University’s MFA program and wanted honest insight from people in or around it.

I’m currently a Communication Studies major, but my focus is filmmaking/directing and building my own production company long-term. I’m more interested in narrative filmmaking and production than super experimental/art-house work, which is why GSU has been standing out to me.

A few questions:
How hands-on is the program?
Do students consistently make films?
How connected is it to Atlanta’s industry?
Do you feel like it genuinely develops filmmakers/directors?
Biggest strengths and weaknesses?

Would appreciate any real insight.

I’m seriously considering Georgia State University’s MFA program and wanted honest insight from people in or around it.

I’m currently a Communication Studies major, but my focus is filmmaking/directing and building my own production company long-term. I’m more interested in narrative filmmaking and production than super experimental/art-house work, which is why GSU has been standing out to me.

A few questions:
How hands-on is the program?
Do students consistently make films?
How connected is it to Atlanta’s industry?
Do you feel like it genuinely develops filmmakers/directors?
Biggest strengths and weaknesses?

Would appreciate any real insight.

I’m seriously considering Georgia State University’s MFA program and wanted honest insight from people in or around it.

I’m currently a Communication Studies major, but my focus is filmmaking/directing and building my own production company long-term. I’m more interested in narrative filmmaking and production than super experimental/art-house work, which is why GSU has been standing out to me.

A few questions:
How hands-on is the program?
Do students consistently make films?
How connected is it to Atlanta’s industry?
Do you feel like it genuinely develops filmmakers/directors?
Biggest strengths and weaknesses?

Would appreciate any real insight.

What’s up y’all,

I’m seriously looking into Howard University’s MFA Film program and wanted to hear from people who’ve actually experienced it or know people in it.

A few things I’m curious about:

How hands-on is the program really?

What’s the culture/environment like creatively?

Do students actually get to direct and build strong portfolios/reels?

How connected is the program to the industry?

What kind of filmmakers tend to thrive there?

Is it more auteur/art-house focused, industry-focused, or a mix?

How collaborative are the students?

For context, I’m really into storytelling, directing, cinematography, and building projects that feel cinematic but still culturally grounded. Long term I want to build something bigger than just being freelance — more like a real production ecosystem/studio.

I know Howard has legacy and culture behind it, but I’m trying to understand what the day-to-day experience is actually like and whether it genuinely helps filmmakers level up creatively + professionally.

Would appreciate any honest insight.

Hey everyone,

I’m currently considering Virginia Commonwealth University for Photo + Film MFA and wanted to hear from current students, alumni, or anyone familiar with the program.

My long-term goal isn’t just to become a filmmaker, I ultimately want to build and own my own production company focused on documentaries, culture-centered storytelling, and creative media.

A few things I’m trying to figure out:

How strong is VCU’s Photo + Film program in terms of real-world preparation?

Does the program lean more experimental/artistic, or does it also prepare students for commercial/industry work?

How good are the networking opportunities in Richmond?

Are students actually collaborating and creating consistently outside of class?

Do professors actively help students connect with internships, festivals, grants, or industry opportunities?

For anyone who graduated: do you feel VCU helped position you for a sustainable creative career?
I’m also weighing VCU against some out-of-state opportunities, so I’m trying to get an honest picture beyond the website and promotional material.
Would love any insight: especially from people interested in directing, cinematography, documentaries, or entrepreneurship in film/media.

Thanks!

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